Hydrodynamics and biogeochemical processes and fluxes in the channel

Projektdetails

Gesamtkosten:

EU-Beitrag:

Koordiniert in:

Thema(en):

Finanzierungsprogramm:

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Ziel

Within MAST II, FLUXMANCHE II works in parallel with DYNOCS, to provide a sound scientific base, through an interdisciplinary approach, for the better understanding of the hydrodynamics and associated transport processes within straits and passages. The two projects operate respectively in the English Channel and the Danish Straits areas. The overall common objective is pursued through an integration of field experiments, numerical modelling and laboratory simulations. To attain the objective, the principle studies focus on the controlling dynamic processes and resulting fluxes in straits and passages.

The two projects include:

- Analysis of the key processes determining water mass structure in the connecting areas.

- Field experiments to collect synoptic as well as time series data of the water masses, suspended particulate matter and chemicals transported through straits and passages.

- Laboratory simulation of ocean and coastal currents; to include oscillatory and stratified movements, fronts and associated residual currents.

- Acquisition and dissemination of consistent sets of high quality data from field experiments, supplemented with historical data and laboratory simulations. The data sets will be compiled with special reference to initializing and validating 2D and 3D numerical models. - Improvement, calibration, validation and intercomparison of 3D hydrodynamic and advection-dispersion models of the specific project areas, encompassing a number of numerical models based on different methods and techniques.

- Quantification of the water mass fluxes and transformations in the transition and connecting waters by non-eddy resolving, numerical models.

FLUXMANCHE II also includes:

- A focus on experimental study of transient processes linked to alternative stratification and destratification in the coastal front areas, and on the generation of Lagrangian movements by non-linear interactions between tidal currents and topography.

- Current measurements (HF radar, ADCP) and remote sensing, to calibrate and verify physical and hydrodynamical models and to investigate the effects of coastal topography and estuarine plumes in mixing and dispersion in coastal areas.

- A study of water and sediment dynamics at different space/time scales by using stable and radioactive isotopes.

- Inputs of tracers of terrestrial influence and Quantification of the transport of marked water bodies and of nutrients, chemicals and suspended particulate matter by numerical models and intensive field measurement programmes.

Particular attention is given to the effects of the highly energetic tide dominated hydrodynamics of the Channel on processes and fluxes in the homogeneous central waters and in the coastal front areas.